Maison Ventoux

In the foothills of Mont Ventoux, this welcoming holiday home is located in the Vaucluse department just a short stroll from a characterful medieval village.

Maison Ventoux is part of a gated residential complex of nine villas and it has its own private parking area in front of the house. Guests access the complex via automatic gates and code access, making it a secure area.

At the back of your private garden, near the swimming pool, walk out of the tall gate, down a few steps and you will find yourself in the complex’s own fenced private park with a shared Pétanque court, stream/small river and little bridge, a quiet area which is only used by guests of the nine villas. Walk over the bridge and there is a large public park with a quiet fishing pond, off-road running trail, football field, playground and tennis courts (charges apply for some of the facilities).

Continue walking through the park and reach the village in around five minutes – perfect for fetching croissants and fresh bread each morning. It’s a charming medieval village, typically Provençal with its plane trees, narrow lanes, beautiful residences, fountains and old ramparts. There are a number of pavement cafes, restaurants and shops as well as a wonderful market on a Wednesday morning – look out for all sorts of seasonal delights including famous Ventoux cherries in the summer.

There are many walking, hiking and horse-riding trails leading from the village towards Mont Ventoux and the nearby forests, ravines and gorges. Of course, cycling and mountain biking are also extremely popular pursuits – Mont Ventoux is one of the most famous stages of the Tour de France and in 2021 the finish line was in the local village. Discover mountain biking trails across Mont Ventoux and many incredible cycling routes, not just ascending the mountain but also across the picturesque Vaucluse region. Bike rental is available in the local village.

Cyclists will also love the nearby village of Bédoin, around 13km south, with its bike shops and general cycling ambience. It’s a pretty medieval village with narrow lanes, picturesque café-terraces and stunning views from the very top.

Sample some of the Côtes du Ventoux wines produced from vineyards on the mountain slopes in the area, both near Bédoin and closer to home with an award-winning vineyard only 500m away. Furthermore, the Rhône Valley and Châteauneuf-du-Pape are around a 45-minute drive away.

Spend time visiting other handsome villages across this part of Provence including Le Barroux, Crillon-le-Brave and Sarrians. Experience authentic Provençal markets in towns such as Carpentras, Pernes-les-Fontaines and historic Vaison-la-Romaine.

Further afield, head to the famous lavender fields around Sault, just under an hour away, or visit the mesmerising Luberon region, home to idyllic villages such as Gordes and Roussillon. Canoeing along the Sorgue river is another great experience, finishing in the enchanting town of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, famed for its waterways, antique stores and Sunday morning brocante.

Historic Orange and the small city of Avignon are two more highlights of the Vaucluse region, both of which can be reached in less than an hour by car.

Read more about Avignon

Stay in and around the region of Avignon to discover picturesque villages, historic towns, Côtes du Rhône vineyards and beautiful landscapes of summer sunflowers, olive groves and rural countryside. This is a fantastic base for exploring much of Provence and beyond.

With its historic, gastronomic and cultural riches, the small city of Avignon stands proudly by the banks of the Rhône, home to vibrant markets, restaurants, wine-bars and impressive UNESCO World Heritage sites.

One of the most visited monuments of France, Le Palais des Papes is in the heart of the old city, next to the 12th century cathedral and leafy Jardin des Doms where you can admire gorgeous views of the river and Provençal countryside beyond. Soak up the rich history of Le Pont d’Avignon on a guided tour before heading over the river to capture photogenic shots of the city from île de la Barthelasse, France’s largest river island. Avignon’s little tourist road train is a great way to explore the historic city with young children.

Stock up on seasonal fruit, vegetables and regional delights at the beautiful covered market at Les Halles d’Avignon or wait for the main Saturday morning Provençal market near the 14th century Basilique Saint-Pierre. Embrace the city’s food scene across its many cafes and restaurants from the tourist haunts of Place de l’Horloge to hidden gems found on the charming side streets and shady squares of the old quarter. Avignon is also known for its Côtes du Rhône wineries and bars waiting to be discovered.

In July the 3-week long Festival d’Avignon takes over the city, a world-renowned event with contemporary performing arts, films and exhibitions taking place across theatres, cinemas and outdoor venues.

Beyond the city centre, hire bikes to cycle along part of the via Rhôna route or enjoy the landscapes of île de la Barthelasse passing farmland, orchards and vistas across the river towards Avignon’s city centre. Meanwhile, antique lovers won’t want to miss the Saturday morning brocante in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, one of Provence’s most famous flea markets, or venture further afield to the wonderful Sunday morning brocante in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.

Embrace the Provençal ambience across villages of the Vaucluse – one of our favourites is charming Pernes-les-Fontaines, loved for its many fountains and delightful market every Saturday morning and Wednesday evening in July and August. Velleron is famed for its early evening farmers’ market open throughout the year (six evenings a week from April to September) whilst Saint-Didier and Venasque are two other picture-perfect Provençal villages to discover.

Driving south instead, visit the art galleries and Wednesday morning market of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, a bustling town on the edge of Les Alpilles where Vincent Van Gogh lived towards the end of his life. Enjoy lunch on a pavement terrace in the idyllic hilltop village of Eygalières (you may even spot a discreet A-list celebrity or two) or head south-west of Avignon to embrace the historic ambience of Tarascon and Beaucaire with their impressive castles overlooking the Rhône river.